CCT333 Tutorial 8 Biomimicry: Janine Benyus and the Biomimicry Institute and Guild
Bone Furniture: Joris Laarman is the designer of a line of furniture that mimics the structure of bones. The furniture is partly hollow, though still very strong - with an almost architectural matrix of support. GM for example has developed a series of car parts that are lighter than normal components, but they are actually stronger.
Bio-Inspired Colour Displays: Qualcomm engineers developed a nature-inspired mirasol display that conveys color in a manner similar to the way a butterfly shows its bright wings, or the way a peacock shows its plumage. The displays show such tiny structures that variably reflect light in a way that specific wavelengths of light interfere with eachother to show vivid colours.
Solar-Enabled Cane: The UltraCane was invented by a small company in Barnsley, England called Sounds Foresight. It is a high-tech device for the vision-impaired that uses sonar-like technology to prevent collisions. The technology is similar to how bats navigate in the dark. The cane sends out sound waves infront of the person holding the cane. Then, these sense upcoming objects, like people, or other things they might run into. It provides a tactile warning of an oncoming obstacle.
Toxin-Free Glue: Columbia Forest Products manufactures a large range of wood products, including panels used in high-end cabinetry and furniture. Additionally, they manufacture various flooring surfaces. The researchers invented an ultra-strong glue with no toxins by mimicking the composition of the secretions that mussels use to cling to surfaces underwater.
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Benyus states that: "bimimicry is an idea that just acquires people". That shows that this concept is universal, because it makes sense to people, and that people can connect with it. It makes sense to people more interested and attracted to a technology if they can relate it to something they already have knowledge about.
Biomimicry looks at technology, and how to relate it to the environment. It makes sense in a human context, because technologies will be safer, and more natural. Today, everything is filled with carcinogens and toxins. By creating something in a natural way, the products are safer to use. Therefore, more people will want to use them.
Lastly, biomimicry creates visually pleasing products. Everyone likes the life that is alive in nature. By giving a biomimic product natural, beautiful qualities, people are inclined to use them.
CCT333 Tutorial 8 Biomimicry: Janine Benyus and the Biomimicry Institute and GuildBone Furniture: Joris Laarman is the designer of a line of furniture that mimics the structure of bones. The furniture is partly hollow, though still very strong - with an almost architectural matrix of support. GM for example has developed a series of car parts that are lighter than normal components, but they are actually stronger.
Bio-Inspired Colour Displays: Qualcomm engineers developed a nature-inspired mirasol display that conveys color in a manner similar to the way a butterfly shows its bright wings, or the way a peacock shows its plumage. The displays show such tiny structures that variably reflect light in a way that specific wavelengths of light interfere with eachother to show vivid colours.
Solar-Enabled Cane: The UltraCane was invented by a small company in Barnsley, England called Sounds Foresight. It is a high-tech device for the vision-impaired that uses sonar-like technology to prevent collisions. The technology is similar to how bats navigate in the dark. The cane sends out sound waves infront of the person holding the cane. Then, these sense upcoming objects, like people, or other things they might run into. It provides a tactile warning of an oncoming obstacle.
Toxin-Free Glue: Columbia Forest Products manufactures a large range of wood products, including panels used in high-end cabinetry and furniture. Additionally, they manufacture various flooring surfaces. The researchers invented an ultra-strong glue with no toxins by mimicking the composition of the secretions that mussels use to cling to surfaces underwater.
Part 2:
Benyus states that: "bimimicry is an idea that just acquires people". That shows that this concept is universal, because it makes sense to people, and that people can connect with it. It makes sense to people more interested and attracted to a technology if they can relate it to something they already have knowledge about.
Biomimicry looks at technology, and how to relate it to the environment. It makes sense in a human context, because technologies will be safer, and more natural. Today, everything is filled with carcinogens and toxins. By creating something in a natural way, the products are safer to use. Therefore, more people will want to use them.
Lastly, biomimicry creates visually pleasing products. Everyone likes the life that is alive in nature. By giving a biomimic product natural, beautiful qualities, people are inclined to use them.